I Want a Beautiful Lawn Without Harming the Environment

Choose the Right Grass

• Regional climates vary throughout the United States. Select a grass that is suitable to your local climate. A species of grass that is adapted to local expected rainfall, temperatures and soil conditions requires less water and is likely to respond better to organic lawn care practices. For example, Kentucky bluegrass grows well in northern areas, while Bermudagrass and annual rye grass are suitable for the southwest desert regions.

Water Deeply, Not Frequently

• Water your lawn twice a week, and only if there has been no recent rain. Give the grass 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Cut back on the frequency of watering to once a week during cooler weather. Grass and soil retain moisture, and overwatering may result in fungal disease and shallow root systems.

Feed Your Lawn Organically

• Synthetic fertilizers have a reputation of seeping into the groundwater or otherwise damaging the environment. Using chemical fertilizers may make your lawn look good, but it isn't an earth-friendly practice. Forgo the synthetics and instead imitate nature's way of fertilizing by allowing your grass clippings to stay on the lawn as you mow. Grass clippings, along with other organic debris, build up in a thin layer, called thatch, on the soil. As the organic matter decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. The nutrients in turn feed the grass.

Keep Your Lawnmower Blades High

• Set your lawnmower blades to a higher setting to keep the grass blades at a height of approximately 3 inches. Taller grass keeps the soil cool which in turn protects the grass's root system. Taller grass also improves photosynthesis, which allows the grass to more easily fight off weeds and pests, and of course, improves color. If the grass is cut short, all energies are directed into growing the blades, rather than encouraging root growth and fighting pests and disease.

Fight Weeds Without Chemicals

• In early spring, apply corn gluten meal to your lawn. Corn gluten meal is an organic by-product of milled corn and it's effective against weed seeds. It acts as a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it doesn't allow the weed seeds to germinate. Add a layer of organic mulch to your lawn in the early summer as well to prevent weeds and feed the soil. If some weeds do slip through, organic methods of elimination include pouring boiling water over the weeds, dousing them with vinegar and manually pulling the weeds, making sure to remove the root as well.